Rachel Siewert (WA, Australian Greens) Share this | Hansard source

I do have to note my frustration that this is the same amendment that the Greens have. We are listed first on the grey, and I was actually on my feet and did not get the call.

These amendments are exactly the same as the Greens amendments. We have flagged our strong concern about these particular measures by the government. I am sorry; I am not reassured by the minister's comments on the future. I of course take what she has just said in terms of her particular approach, but you still cannot predict what a future forum, people on the forum and future ministers may do.

I think it is a dangerous move to change the make-up of the board. Its independence is particularly important. Having the experts there is particularly important. There is the potential, through this amendment bill, for an industry dominated approach, and we do not support that. As I said, stakeholders have expressed to me repeatedly their concerns about the influence of industry in this process already. This would potentially further entrench industry's influence over decision making, and we think that is a dangerous move, so we do not support the approach the government is taking. Despite the minister's best intent to reassure us, I am not reassured by the minister's comments as they relate to future decisions. These amendments will be in place for a long time, and I do not think that we can adequately ensure that there are the protections there in case of future decision making.

So we support these amendments to the bill. The Greens have exactly the same amendments, which I flagged during my speech on the second reading. Obviously, once we have dealt with these I will not be moving mine, but we do support these amendments.

The CHAIRMAN: Senator Siewert, in relation to your initial comments, I can just advise you that Odgers' does provide some guidance to the chair in matters like this in terms of the precedence for the call. It can be found on page 241 of Odgers', but I can advise you that an opposition senator leading for the opposition in relation to a bill or other matters before the Senate is usually given the call before other senators. I do note that both you and Senator Gallagher rose at the same time, and I applied Odgers' practice. I just hope that explains the decision I made.